The Truth About Wedding Fairs: Do You Even Need To Visit One?

Rows of white chairs with bright orange organza bows tied on the backs — a typical decoration seen at traditional wedding fairs.

Written by Melissa Woods

Traditional Wedding Fairs are Outdated

It’s true! If you’ve ever stepped into a wedding fair and felt like you’d accidentally wandered into that episode of Gavin and Stacey with chair covers, hen and stag do excursions, and a rogue magician - you’re not alone - because historically, that’s what a lot of them are like.

You thought planning your wedding was meant to be exciting. Inspiring. Fun, right? I felt like that too when we were planning our wedding. I found it really frustrating to have to search so hard to find something… anything - that reflected us as a couple. Everything felt like way more of a chore than an enjoyable time in our lives. That’s exactly why we started our events - because the old model of “wedding fairs” is not a vibe anymore - that’s if it ever was.

Let’s take a look at the kind of wedding fairs you probably don’t need to visit vs an MNT event.

Cookie-Cutter Suppliers vs. Indie Creatives

Traditional wedding fairs are packed with the same repetitive suppliers - the satin chair covers, the predictable florists, cheesy wedding bands, and corporate-feeling photographers.

At any MNT event, we curate indie suppliers especially for our attendees. Think bold florists, creative stylists, alternative photographers, and audio guest books that look nothing like telephones! The kind of suppliers who make you say, “I didn’t even know that existed”

Sales Pitches vs. Real Conversations

Traditional fairs? It’s all about the hard sell. Handing out flyers, asking you to sign up now, rattling off package deals before you’ve even caught your breath.

Our weding fairs have always been about real connection. We create a space where couples can chat with suppliers like real people. You can ask questions, share your vision, laugh, grab a drink together! It’s important that you have a genuine vibe with the people you book for your special day.

Serious Atmosphere vs. Party Vibes

Here’s the truth: most wedding fairs feel flat. You walk around, maybe nibble on a free sample of cake, and leave without any ideas or inspiration. They can feel like a drag.

The Un-Wedding Show has always been about putting the ‘party’ into your wedding planning because it should be a fun process!

A bored woman with peach hair and a lilac headscarf. She is wearing silver glasses.

Should You Bother attending a Wedding Fair?

Listen, it’s your wedding and you can do whatever you want to do. Wedding fairs are great for inspiration, real-life connection, and of course - the exclusive ‘on-the-day’ offers that you might find. But weddings and wedding fairs aren’t one-size-fits-all scenario. Choose an event that feels aligned with who you are - that way, you are more likely to get the most out of it.

Visit An MNT Event Instead

If you’re over bland fairs and ready to put the ‘party’ into your wedding planning and connect with inspirational suppliers who get your vision - grab tickets to one of our next events!

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An International Wedding Celebration At Hayne, Devon

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Why Gen Z And Millennial Couples In The UK & Ireland Are Choosing Multi-Day Wedding Celebrations